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Your commercial roof needs to work extra hard in these harsh Atlanta climate conditions! Hot summers and sudden storms can put some serious strain on the roofing materials. You've probably seen how much faster the problems can pop up when your roof isn't quite up to the job.
The weather in Atlanta keeps on throwing these curveballs at your building - one day, it's scorching hot, and the next day, you have heavy rain. Your roof takes the brunt of these wild swings. Think about the times you've had to worry about leaks during those famous Georgia thunderstorms. You might have also worried about your cooling bills during those brutal summer months.
There's a lot to talk about, between longevity, cost savings and practicality. Let's get started!
TPO Roofing Benefits
You'll find that TPO roofing systems add real value to your commercial building. You get a single-ply membrane that combines polypropylene with ethylene-propylene rubber - plus a tough polyester mat for extra strength - this combination makes your roof resistant - it won't tear, holds up against punctures and keeps dirt and mold from building up. The seams are heat-welded together, so you won't have to worry about leaks.
Want to slash your energy bills? TPO roofing could be your perfect answer. If you pick a white or light-colored TPO roof, then you'll get sunlight reflection that keeps heat from soaking into your building. Your cooling costs will drop - these roofs don't just meet EPA Energy Star standards, they blow right past them! Here in Atlanta - summers pack a punch but aren't extreme, your TPO roof will keep your building cool and your AC from running overtime.
When you look at a flat or low-slope commercial roof, TPO fits right in. The material can bend and flex to match whatever changes your roof throws at it. Your contractor will like working with TPO, too (they can attach it in different ways), and since it weighs less than EPDM, the installation goes faster and costs less. Once it's up there, you'll barely need to think about it. Just grab some soap and water for cleaning, and you're set to go - dirt, algae, and mold don't stand a chance.
Let's talk about money. TPO won't be as expensive as PVC or EPDM. You can save more cash down the road thanks to those energy-saving benefits and minimal maintenance needs. Sure - PVC might manage chemicals better. But TPO can give you some more bang for your dollar with better tear and break resistance! Compared to EPDM, you get a better deal - TPO costs less and saves more energy, and those heat-welded seams just can't be beat.
Take a look around the city - you'll find TPO roofs everywhere, from large warehouses to busy schools, hospitals, and office buildings.
EPDM Roofing Overview
Your EPDM roofing will always bend and flex with your building - keeping the water out and standing up to Atlanta's toughest weather! The rubber-like material moves and stretches as your building changes. That means you won't see any cracks or tears even when the temperatures swing up and down - this makes it perfect for dealing with Atlanta's unpredictable weather patterns.
You'll be impressed at how EPDM keeps water away from your property. The large and easy sheets mean fewer places where water might sneak in. Think about those summer thunderstorms in Atlanta - you won't have to worry about any leaks ruining your day or damaging your inventory!
The harsh sun and extreme weather won't get in the way of your EPDM roof. Even under the brutal Atlanta summer sun (or during those surprise winter cold snaps), your roof stays tough and flexible. When those sudden hail storms roll through, your roof won't get damaged like other materials might.
An EPDM roof installed on your building is easy. You have some options for how to attach it - stick it down completely, fasten it mechanically or weigh it down with stones. The installation crew can work fast and efficiently. They'll use pre-made corners to make everything fit just right.
Your EPDM roof doesn't take much work! You won't need to spend much time or money keeping it in great shape. Just get someone to check it out now and then and fix any problems right away. Most building owners in climates like Atlanta see their EPDM roofs last well past 25 years when they take care of them the right way.
You'll see the benefits of an EPDM roof, especially in terms of your energy bills. Pick a white or light-colored membrane. Your air conditioning won't have to work as hard during those scorching Atlanta summers. Your whole building will stay cooler, and your energy bills will go down.
Roof Longevity in Atlanta
Your roof faces some tough weather in Atlanta, from the sticky humidity to strong storms and heavy rain! You need to think hard about how long different roofing materials can last and what kind of care they might need.
You can find asphalt shingles on most houses around here - they'll stick around for 15 to 30 years. If you pick basic 3-tab shingles, you're looking at 15-25 years. When you spring for architectural shingles, you might get 20-35 years out of them. Just remember that you'll need to check up on them. You should keep an eye out for damage and fix any small problems right away.
Metal roofs prove exceptional when it comes to long-term power - you're looking at 40 to 70 years (maybe even 100+ if you go with copper). You won't have to worry much about fire or rot damaging them. Just watch those exposed fasteners - you'll need to give them some attention every couple of decades!
Clay tiles pack some serious staying power - we're talking 50 to 100 years if you take care of them. Sure - they're heavy as anything, and your house needs to be built sturdy to hold them up. But fire and rot won't affect them much. Natural slate goes even longer - it could last you 150 years or more. The synthetic options aren't quite as tough. They last about 20 to 60 years and need a bit of love now and then.
For business buildings, fiberglass roofs make sense. You can get about 50 years out of them and maybe more if you treat them right. Mold and rust won't get in the way of them much. For flat roofs? You're looking at 20 to 25 years tops. Living in Atlanta means you need to stay on top of water collecting up there during our rainy seasons!
The materials you choose affect everything - low-quality products won't do you any favors in the long run. And make sure you get someone who knows what they're doing to install it. Even the most expensive roof won't last if it's put on wrong. Stay on top of maintenance - clean those gutters, check for damage, and clear off debris. Do all that, and you can squeeze an extra 5-10 years out of your roof.
Energy Efficiency Solutions
You'll save some big money on energy costs with a metal roof - these advanced surfaces actually go well with sunlight and heat like a mirror! The pigments in metal roofs can bounce away up to 40% of the sun's rays that would normally cook your home. Want even better performance? You can add a radiant barrier underneath your metal roof to stop more heat from in.
The metal roofs work extra hard to keep you cool because the installers leave an air gap underneath. Your roof actually breathes when you let the hot air escape instead of baking your attic. You're helping the planet since metal roofs have loads of recycled material - they can be recycled again when you're done with them!
The tile roofs pack some serious cooling power, too. Whether you choose concrete, clay, or slate tiles, they naturally go well with sunlight and stay cooler than traditional materials. The way tiles overlap creates small air channels that work like built-in air conditioning. The hot air flows right out instead of being trapped. Most homeowners can see their cooling bills drop by about 20% with tile roofs.
Even the basic asphalt shingles have a high-tech makeover. The modern versions now come coated with reflective granules that keep your roof cooler. While they might not match the performance of metal or tile, asphalt shingles work way better than the older ones.
Green roofs take the energy savings to a whole new level. Imagine a layer of soil and plants working as natural insulation. These materials soak up the sun and heat that would otherwise bake your building. Your AC usage could drop by 75% or more with a green roof overhead. These roofs are great for cities - they create extra outdoor space and slash energy bills! Just remember they can cost more at first than standard roofs.
For Atlanta businesses looking to cut energy costs, you have some good options. Cool roofs act like giant reflectors when they bounce heat away from your building. Solar tiles pull double duty by generating power while keeping things cool. Reflective shingles - especially metal ones, pay for themselves through years of lower energy bills.
Cost Analysis of Options
TPO roofing won't be too expensive right away - you'll spend between $3.50 and $14 for each square foot! The materials themselves can run from $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot, and you'll need to pay workers $3.50 to $7.50. When you remove your old roof, you can add another dollar or two per square foot. You'll need to stay on top of cleaning and checking your TPO roof so the water drains the right way. Here's a bonus - those reflective membranes will slash your energy bills. TPO lasts 20-30 years, so you won't need to replace it anytime soon.
EPDM costs a bit more first - you can expect to pay $3.25 to $14.75 per square foot. Just like TPO, you'll need to keep it clean and check it. While it's not as reflective as TPO, insulation will still cut your energy costs. The best part? EPDM sticks around for over 30 years (saving you money on repairs and replacements down the line).
Modified Bitumen will set you back $9.50 to $14.50 per square foot. Thanks to its multiple layers, you won't need to fuss with it as much - though you should still check it twice a year! This tough roof lasts 20-30 years and rarely needs fixing.
Metal roofing runs from $8 to $18 per square foot. You'll only need to check it now and then to clear off any debris. It works with weather excellently and keeps your energy bills low for 30+ years.
Asphalt shingles might feel affordable at first. But watch out - you'll probably replace them sooner and fix them more often. Tile costs more initially but barely needs any maintenance and lasts forever, saving you cash over time.
Flat roofs like TPO or EPDM are cheaper to install but they need more attention to stay away from puddles. Green roofs pack a punch with their first cost. They need the dirt and plants. But they'll save you serious money on energy bills.
Here in Atlanta then you'll pay workers $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot, based on your location and if the job is tricky.
Installation Considerations
A quality commercial roof starts with picking out the right expert for your job. You need a contractor who has earned certifications from industry leaders like Carlisle or Johns Manville. These certifications show they know their things when it comes to working with metal, EPDM, or modified bitumen systems. Don't just take their word about insurance - contact their insurance company yourself to check their coverage!
You'll stay out of trouble by working with someone who actually knows Georgia's building rules. Pick a contractor who knows about the local requirements! You won't get stuck with code violations or expensive repairs down the line.
Your roof needs to breathe and stay warm (or cool). Make sure you have airflow to stop moisture from rotting your roof from the inside out.
Atlanta's weather can throw a wrench in your plans. Rain, hail, and scorching heat might slow down the work, so give yourself some extra time in your schedule. Remember that taller buildings and steeper roofs can make the job harder and more expensive.
Look for a contractor who works smart and fast to cut back on disruptions. Keep an eye on the work as it happens and after it's done. You'll also want the manufacturer to check everything out - that's how you can keep your warranty valid.
Regular checkups improve your roof, help it last longer, and make it work better. Team up with a contractor who catches small problems before they become disasters - this strategy protects your investment and saves money.
You have a few good roofing materials to choose from. TPO won't weigh your building down and works well with wear and tear. PVC cuts back on energy costs and resists fire. Metal roofs last decades and shrug off harsh weather. Pick the one that works best for you and budget.
Protect The Roof Over Your Head
You need to keep your commercial roof in top shape to stay away from big problems later! Regular checkups and maintenance will save you money and trouble in the long run.
Make sure to schedule inspections once or twice every year to catch small problems before they become serious ones.
Your roof needs steady cleaning to work the right way. You should remove leaves, sticks and other debris that piles up on your roof and in your gutters. Clean drains and vents prevent water from backing up and damaging your building. You'll also want to check that the seals around pipes and other roof fixtures remain watertight.
Don't wait to fix problems when you place them - small leaks can turn into big ones fast. When you delay repairs, it'll only cost you more money down the line. Quick action on small problems helps your roof last longer than ignoring them. Roofs fail years before they should just because nobody maintains them - this puts your business in danger and creates safety problems you don't want to manage.
Set up a regular maintenance schedule that works for you. Check your gutters and drains every few months, do a complete walk-through twice a year and get a complete inspection annually. After serious storms roll through, check for damage right away. When you follow this easy plan extends your roof's life and prevents expensive surprises.
Colony Roofers works with commercial and residential roofs across Georgia, Florida, and Texas. You've invested quite a bit in your building - let our experts help protect it. Give us a call for a free roof inspection. Our professional team understands what your roof needs to stay strong for years to come. Reach out, and let's talk about keeping your roof sound and reliable.
